Monopolar pencil with integrated bipolar/ligasure tweezers

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical pencil with integrated tweezers includes-an elongated housing having an open distal end and an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. One or both of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. One or more switches is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/344,729, filed on Jan. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,023,035, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to electrosurgical instrumentsand, more particularly, to an electrosurgical pencil configured for bothmonopolar and bipolar use.

2. Background of Related Art

Electrosurgical instruments have become widely used by surgeons inrecent years. By and large, most electrosurgical instruments arehand-held instruments, e.g., an electrosurgical pencil orelectrosurgical forceps, which transfer radio-frequency (RF) electricalenergy to a tissue site. The electrosurgical energy is returned to theelectrosurgical source via a return electrode pad positioned under apatient (i.e., a monopolar system configuration) or a smaller returnelectrode positionable in bodily contact with or immediately adjacent tothe surgical site (i.e., a bipolar system configuration). The waveformsproduced by the RF source yield a predetermined electrosurgical effectknown generally as electrosurgical cutting and fulguration.

In particular, electrosurgical fulguration includes the application ofelectric spark to biological tissue, for example, human flesh or thetissue of internal organs, without significant cutting. The spark isproduced by bursts of radio-frequency electrical energy generated froman appropriate electrosurgical generator. Coagulation is defined as aprocess of desiccating tissue wherein the tissue cells are ruptured anddehydrated/dried. Electrosurgical cutting/dissecting, on the other hand,includes applying an electrical spark to tissue in order to produce acutting, dissecting and/or dividing effect. Blending includes thefunction of cutting/dissecting combined with the production of ahemostasis effect. Meanwhile, sealing/hemostasis is defined as theprocess of liquefying the collagen in the tissue so that it forms into afused mass. Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clampingaction and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissueand blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/orfulgurate tissue.

The basic purpose of both monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery is toproduce heat to achieve the desired tissue/clinical effect. In monopolarelectrosurgery, devices use an instrument with a single, activeelectrode to deliver energy from an electrosurgical generator to tissue,and a patient return electrode (usually a plate positioned on thepatient's thigh or back) as the means to complete the electrical circuitbetween the electrosurgical generator and the patient. In bipolarelectrosurgery, the electrosurgical device includes two electrodes thatare located in proximity to one another for the application of currentbetween their surfaces. Bipolar electrosurgical current travels from oneelectrode, through the intervening tissue to the other electrode tocomplete the electrical circuit.

As used herein the term “electrosurgical pencil” is intended to includeinstruments which have a handpiece that is attached to an activeelectrode and which is used to cauterize, coagulate and/or cut tissue.Typically, the electrosurgical pencil may be operated by a handswitch ora foot switch. The active electrode is an electrically conductingelement that is usually elongated and may be in the form of a thin flatblade with a pointed or rounded distal end. Alternatively, the activeelectrode may include an elongated narrow cylindrical needle which issolid or hollow with a flat, rounded, pointed or slanted distal end.Typically electrodes of this sort are known in the art as “blade”,“loop” or “snare”, “needle” or “ball” electrodes.

As mentioned above, the handpiece of the electrosurgical pencil isconnected to a suitable electrosurgical energy source (i.e., generator)which produces the radio-frequency electrical energy necessary for theoperation of the electrosurgical pencil. In general, when an operationis performed on a patient with an electrosurgical pencil, electricalenergy from the electrosurgical generator is conducted through theactive electrode to the tissue at the site of the operation and thenthrough the patient to a return electrode. The return electrode istypically placed at a convenient place on the patient's body and isattached to the generator by a conductive material. Typically, thesurgeon activates the controls on the electrosurgical pencil to selectthe modes/waveforms to achieve a desired surgical effect. Typically, the“modes” relate to the various electrical waveforms, e.g., a cuttingwaveform has a tendency to cut tissue, a coagulating wave form has atendency to coagulate tissue and a blend wave form is somewhere betweena cut and coagulate wave from.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical pencil withintegrated ligasure tweezers. In accordance with one aspect of thepresent disclosure the electrosurgical pencil includes an elongatedhousing having an open distal end and including an actuator operativelyassociated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distallythrough the open distal end of the elongated housing and aretransitionable between a closed position and an open position uponactuation of an actuator. One or both of the jaw members are configuredto treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members areconfigured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. One or more switches areoperably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configuredto activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue withmonopolar and bipolar energy.

It is contemplated that the electrosurgical pencil may further include asensor operably coupled to the pencil and configured to sense tissuedisposed between the jaw members. The sensor provides a signal to thecontroller to disable monopolar activation if tissue is sensed betweenthe jaw members and to disable bipolar activation if no tissue is sensedbetween the jaw members.

It is also contemplated that the electrosurgical pencil may furtherinclude an intensity controller that controls the amount of energydelivered to tissue when treating tissue with monopolar energy. Theintensity controller would preferably be in the form of a slidepotentiometer or could include a pressure sensitive activator thatadjusts the amount of electrosurgical energy supplied based on theamount of pressure applied to the intensity controller.

The jaw members may be biased in the second, closed position and may beelectrically isolated from one another such that the jaw members maytreat tissue with bipolar energy when the jaw members are disposed inthe second, closed position.

The actuator may protrudes from a side portion of the elongated housingand the side portion of the elongated housing. The elongated housing mayinclude two flexible portions disposed on opposite sides thereof. Theflexible portions are adjacent to the actuator such that compression ofthe two flexible portions in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis results in actuation of the actuator.

The open distal end of the elongated housing may include a flexiblesection. The flexible section is configured to allow the first andsecond jaw members to be radially spaced at a diameter larger than theopen distal end of the elongated housing when in the open position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housinghaving first and second jaw members extending through a distal endthereof. The first and second jaw members are transitionable between afirst position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relationrelative to one another and a second position wherein the jaw membersare approximated relative to one another. One or both of the jaw membersare configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jawmembers are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. An actuatoris operably coupled to the jaw members and actuatable to transition thejaw members between the first and second positions. The actuator isoperably coupled to a controller that senses the disposition of the jawmembers. A switch is disposed in the housing in operative communicationwith the controller and is configured to activate the jaw members withbipolar energy if the jaw members are disposed in the first position andto activate at least one of jaw members with monopolar energy if the jawmembers are disposed in the second position.

It is contemplated that the surgical pencil may include an intensitycontroller that controls the amount of energy delivered to tissue whentreating tissue with monopolar energy. It is also contemplated that theintensity controller may be a slide potentiometer or may include apressure sensitive activator that adjusts the amount of electrosurgicalenergy delivered to tissue based on the amount of pressure applied tothe intensity controller.

It is also contemplated that the actuator may be pressure sensitive suchthat the actuator adjusts the position of the jaw members relative toone another based on the amount of pressure applied to the actuator.

It is further contemplated that the jaw members may be biased in thesecond, closed position and that the actuator may protrude from a sideportion of the elongated housing. The side portion of the elongatedhousing may include a flexible portion covering the actuator where theapplication of force to the flexible portion in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis results inactuation of the actuator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongate housinghaving first and second jaw members extending through a distal endthereof. The first and second jaw members are transitionable between aclosed position in which the jaw members are configured to treat tissuewith monopolar energy and an open position in which the jaw members areconfigured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. A controller is disposedwithin the elongated housing and configured to sense whether the firstand second jaw members are in the open or closed position and toautomatically configure the jaw members to treat tissue with monopolarenergy when the jaw members are in the closed position and bipolarenergy when the jaw members are in the open position.

These and other features will be more clearly illustrated below by thedescription of the drawings and the detailed description of thepreferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with a general description of the invention given above, andthe detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical system including anelectrosurgical pencil in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 1with jaw members in the first, open position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the jaw assembly of the electrosurgical pencilof FIG. 1 with jaw members in the second, closed position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the jaw assembly of the electrosurgical pencilof FIG. 1 with jaw members in the first, open position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the electrosurgical pencil ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side, cut-away view of the housing and electrical assemblyof the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theelectrosurgical pencil in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 10with a knife blade in a retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13A is a side view of a first jaw member in accordance with analternate embodiment of the jaw assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a side view of a second jaw member in accordance with thejaw assembly of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the first jawmember of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a side view an alternate embodiment of the second jaw memberof FIG. 13B;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the jaw assembly of the embodiment of FIG.13A;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 14 with the jawmembers in the first, open position;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 14 with the jawmembers in the second, closed position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the jaw assembly ofFIG. 14 including a lever attached to an inner shaft thereof;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 17 with the jawmembers in the first, open position;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 17 including twolevers attached to the inner shaft;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 19 including leafsprings attached to the ends of the levers and to the housing with thejaw members in the second, closed position;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 20 with the jawmembers in the first, open position;

FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the jaw assembly ofFIG. 19 with the levers biased by a spring;

FIG. 23 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the jaw assembly ofFIG. 14 where only the first jaw is actuatable and the jaw members arein the first, open position;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 23 with the jawmembers in the second, closed position;

FIG. 25 is a top view of an electrosurgical pencil in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 25 withthe jaws in a first configuration;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 25 withthe jaws rotated to a second configuration;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical pencil in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the jawmembers have a clamshell arrangement;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the jaw members of the electrosurgical pencilof FIG. 28 when in the second, closed position;

FIG. 30 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the jaw members ofFIGS. 13A and 13B including a selectively-extendable electrode tip;

FIG. 31 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the jaw members ofFIG. 28 including a selectively-extendable electrode tip;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical pencil according toan alternate embodiment of the present disclosure including wedgeactuated jaw members;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 32with the jaw members in the first, open position;

FIG. 34 is a side, cut-away view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG.32;

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustration of the voltage divider network ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a side, cut-away view of the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 1showing the electrical assembly;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a portion of the electrical assembly ofthe surgical pencil of FIG. 1 including switches and an intensitycontroller; and

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the electricalassembly of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the presently disclosed electrosurgical pencilare described in detail with reference to the drawing figures whereinlike reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As usedherein, the term “distal” refers to that portion which is further fromthe user while the term “proximal” refers to that portion which iscloser to the user or surgeon.

FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of an electrosurgical systemincluding an electrosurgical pencil 100 constructed in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrosurgical pencil 100includes an elongated housing 200, a jaw assembly 300 and an electricalassembly 400. Housing 200 includes a distal opening 210, through whichjaw assembly 300 extends, and a proximal opening 220, through whichcable 520 extends. Housing 200 may be made of multiple sections such as,for example, side shell portions 230 and 240, or housing 200 may be madeof a top half shell portion (not shown) and a bottom half shell portion(not shown). Shell portions 230, 240 may be bonded together usingmethods known by those skilled in the art, e.g., sonic energy,adhesives, snap-fit assemblies, etc.

As seen in FIG. 1, electrosurgical pencil 100 may be coupled to aconventional electrosurgical generator “G” via a plug 500. Plug 500 maybe utilized for both monopolar electrosurgey and bipolar electrosurgery.Alternatively, a second plug 510 may also be included where each plug500, 510 is used for independent modes of operation including bipolar ormonopolar modes. Both plugs 500, 510 may be coupled to electrosurgicalpencil 100 via the same cable 520. Alternatively, each plug 500, 510 maycouple to electrosurgical pencil via separate cables (not shown). Onesuch plug configuration is shown in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.7,503,917.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, jaw assembly 300 defines a longitudinalaxis A-A and includes body portions 310, 320, jaw members 330, 340extending distally from body portions 310, 320, distal end portions 332,342 disposed at the ends of jaw members 330, 340, respectively, andactuators 350, 360 disposed on body portions 310, 320. Jaw members 330,340 are selectively transitionable relative to one another uponactuation of actuators 350, 360 in an inward direction “X”, as shown inFIG. 6. Body portions 310, 320 are disposed within housing 200 and jawmembers 330, 340 extend distally through distal end 220 of housing 200.Jaw members 330, 340 may be are fabricated from a conductive typematerial, such as, for example, stainless steel, or are coated with anelectrically conductive material. Jaw members 330, 340 may also beelectrically isolated from one another and may receive electrosurgicalenergy in both a monopolar and bipolar fashion, as explained in moredetail below. Jaw members 330, 340 are electrically connected to avoltage divider network 450 (FIGS. 7 and 33) as explained in more detailbelow with regard to electrical assembly 400.

Actuators 350, 360 extend through openings 232, 242 defined in shellportions 230 and 240 on opposite sides of housing 200. (See FIG. 7).Shell portions 230, 240 include flexible portions 234, 244 coveringopenings 232, 242 that allow a surgeon to actuate actuators 350, 360 ina hermetically sealed environment. Shell portions 230, 240 may alsoinclude flexible sections 236, 246 disposed at distal end 210 of housing200 to provide jaw members 330, 340 with a greater range of motion. (SeeFIGS. 4 and 7). Actuators 350, 360 are actuatable to transition jawmembers 330 and 340 between a first, open position where jaw members330, 340 are spaced relative to one another (FIGS. 2 and 6) to receivetissue therebetween and a second, closed position where jaw members 330,340 are approximated relative to one another (FIGS. 1 and 5). Jawmembers 330, 340 are initially biased in the second, closed position asshown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Actuators 350, 360 allow for mechanicalactuation of jaw members 330, 340 by moving body portions 310, 320relative to one another. Alternatively, actuators 350, 360 may be in theform of a button or a switch (not shown) that allows for actuation ofjaw members 330, 340 in a different manner as known in the art such as,for example, an electrical motor. The spacing of jaw members 330, 340relative to one another (i.e., for receiving tissue) is adjusted basedon the amount of pressure exerted on actuators 350, 360. For example, asthe pressure being applied to actuators 350, 360 in the inward direction“X” is increased, the spacing between body portions 310, 320 isdecreased and the spacing between jaw members 330, 340 is converselyincreased. As explained below, each jaw member 330, 340 connects to anelectrosurgical energy source “G” such that jaw members 330, 340 cantreat tissue with electrosurgical energy. (See FIG. 1).

In use, a physician may utilize electrosurgical pencil 100 in either amonopolar mode or a bipolar mode as described below. When in a monopolarmode, the surgeon does not actuate actuators 350, 360 and jaw members330, 340 are oriented in the second, closed position. Energy may then beapplied via jaw members 330 and/or 340 to tissue in conjunction with areturn pad “R”. (See FIG. 1). Electrosurgical energy flows through oneor both jaw members 330, 340, through the tissue, and into the returnpad as further described below with relation to electrical assembly 400.When the bipolar mode is used, the surgeon exerts pressure on actuators350, 360 in an inward direction “X” to increase the spacing between jawmembers 330 and 340 and manipulates electrosurgical pencil 100 such thata portion of tissue is disposed between jaw members 330 and 340. Thesurgeon then releases actuators 350 and 360, thereby allowing the jawmembers 330 and 340 to approximate relative to one another to close ontoor clamp the portion of tissue disposed therebetween. The tissue isclamped due to the pressure exerted by the spring bias of the bodyportions 310 and 320. Particularly, the spring bias provides a pressureof about 3 kg/cm² to about 16 kg/cm² between jaw members 330 and 340.

When the desired tissue is clamped between jaw members 330 and 340, thesurgeon may activate bipolar energy or alternatively bipolar energy maybe automatically delivered to jaw members 330 and 340 as described belowin relation to electrical assembly 400. In bipolar mode no return pad isincluded or necessary. Additionally, a safety switch “S3” (FIG. 35) maybe included to preclude bipolar activation when the jaw members 330 and340 are disposed in the second, closed position. A second safety switch“S3′” (FIG. 35) may also be included to preclude monopolar activationwhen the jaw members 330 and 340 are disposed in the first, openposition. Safety switches “S3” and “S3′” may be mechanical, electricalor electro-mechanical.

The operational features of the electrical assembly 400 and intensitycontroller 700 are described below with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and32-39. Safety switches “S3” and “S3′” are also described in more detailbelow.

FIGS. 10-12 show an alternate embodiment of a forceps 1300 that includesa knife blade assembly 1600. Forceps 1300 includes opposing shaftportions 1310 and 1320 that are mutually depressible to open thecorresponding jaw members 1330 and 1340 for grasping tissue much in thesame fashion as described above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. Knifeblade assembly 1600 includes an elongated section 1610 disposed betweenbody portions 1310, 1320, a knife 1620 retractable within elongatedsection 1610 and deployable between jaw members 1330, 1340 and a knifeactuator 1630 disposed on elongated section 1610 and selectivelyadvanceable to actuate knife 1620 between a retracted position and adeployed position. Jaw members 1330 and 1340 may include knife slots1332 and 1342 defined therealong dimensioned to reciprocate knife 1620upon actuation thereof. Knife 1620 may be a regular cutting blade or mayalternatively be electrically connected to generator “G” such that knife1620 is capable of electrosurgically cutting tissue. Knife 1620 isactuatable between the retracted position and the deployed positionthrough actuation of knife actuator 1630 proximally and distally alongslot 1612 defined in elongated section 1610. Knife 1620 mayautomatically retract when jaw members 1330, 1340 are disposed in thefirst, open position, as discussed above.

In use, knife 1620 is initially in the retracted position and jawmembers 1330 and 1340 are biased toward the second, closed position. Asurgeon first actuates opposing shaft portions 1310 and 1320 totransition jaw members 1330 and 1340 to the first, open position andplaces tissue between jaw member 1330 and 1340 before releasing shaftportions 1310 and 1320 to clamp the tissue therebetween. After tissuehas been clamped between jaw members 1330 and 1340, the surgeonactivates knife 1620 by translating knife actuator 1630 distally alongslot 1612. As knife actuator 1630 is translated distally, knife 1620also translates distally thereby cutting through tissue clamped betweenjaw members 1330 and 1340. Alternatively, knife 1620 itself may besupplied with electrosurgical energy to enhance the cutting effect. Oncethe tissue is cut the surgeon translates knife actuator 1630 proximallyalong slot 1612 to retract knife 1620 along elongated section 1610. Aspring (not shown) may be included to release knife actuator 1630 toallow knife 1620 to automatically retract. In use, the forceps 1300 isinitially biased with the jaw member 1330 and 1340 in the second, closedposition which allows the surgeon to treat tissue with monopolar energysimilar to an electrosurgical pencil. Electrosurgical energy istransmitted to the tissue from one or both jaw members 1330, 1340, andthrough the tissue to a return electrode or pad. During surgery, thesurgeon has the option of opening jaw members 1330 and 1340 to receiveand clamp tissue disposed therebetween, similar to a forceps, and totreat the tissue clamped therebetween with bipolar energy. The surgeoncan then deploy the knife 1620 to cut the tissue after a seal is formed.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, jaw assembly 2300 includes an inner shaft2310, an outer shaft 2320 and jaw members 2330, 2340. Each of jawmembers 2330, 2340 includes a respective pivot hole 2334, 2344 and arespective slot 2336, 2346 (See also FIGS. 13A-13B). In this embodimentjaw members 2330, 2340 are removably attachable to inner and outershafts 2310, 2320. Inner shaft 2310 and outer shaft 2320 each define apin hole 2312 and 2322, respectively, for the reception of pins 2314,2324 (FIG. 14). Inner shaft 2310 further includes a slot 2313 adaptedfor the receipt of pin 2324. As seen in FIG. 15, Jaw members 2330, 2340are attached to inner shaft 2310 by pin 2314 inserted through pivotholes 2334, 2344 and pin hole 2312. Jaw members 2330, 2340 are alsoattached to outer shaft 2320 by pin 2324 inserted through slots 2313,2336 and 2346 and pin hole 2322. Inner shaft 2310 and outer shaft 2320are translatable relative to one another to slide pin 2324 along slots2313, 2336 and 2346 to thereby actuate jaw members 2330, 2340 betweenthe first, open and second, closed positions. For example, as seen inFIG. 16, translating inner shaft 2310 distally relative to outer shaft2320 actuates jaw members 2330, 2340 from the first, open position tothe second, closed position (e.g. approximating distal portions 2332,2342 of jaw members 2330, 2340). Likewise, as seen in FIG. 15,translating inner shaft 2310 proximally relative to outer shaft 2320actuates jaw members 2330, 2340 from the second, closed position to thefirst, open position (e.g. increases the spacing between distal portions2332, 2342 of jaw members 2330, 2340). Jaw members 2330, 2340 areactuated due to the shape of slots 2336, 2346 (FIGS. 13A and 13B) wherepin 2324 slides along slots 2336, 2346 during translation of inner shaft2310 proximally or distally to thereby actuate jaw members 2330, 2340.Jaw members 2330 and 2340 may instead include slots 2337, 2347 (FIGS.13C and 13D) which are dimensioned such that translating inner shaft2310 distally will instead actuate jaw members 2330, 2340 from thesecond, closed position to the first, open position and that movinginner shaft 2310 proximally will actuate jaw members 2330, 2340 from thefirst, open position to the second, closed position. It is furthercontemplated that the surgeon may translate outer shaft 2320 instead ofthe inner shaft 2310 to actuate jaw members 2330, 2340 or that bothshafts 2310, 2320 may be translated simultaneously relative to oneanother. Outer shaft 2320 may also be fixed to housing 2200.

During use, when a surgeon wishes to use a bipolar mode, the surgeontranslates inner shaft 2310 proximally to transition jaw members 2330and 2340 from the second, closed position to the first, open position(e.g. increasing the spacing between jaw members 2330 and 2340). Oncejaw members 2330 and 2340 are in the first, open position the surgeonplaces tissue between jaw members 2330 and 2340 and translates innershaft 2310 distally, thereby approximating jaw members 2330 and 2340 andclamping the tissue. Electrosurgical energy may then be applied asdescribed below.

FIGS. 17-22 show an inner shaft 2310 that includes one or more levers2316 attached at a fulcrum point 2318 for assisting in opening jawmembers 2330, 2340. Lever 2316 may extend through housing 2200 and maybe pivotably mounted to housing 2200 at a pivot point 2315 such thatwhen a physician actuates lever 2316 at an end 2319, lever 2316 pivotsabout pivot point 2315 and applies force to inner shaft 2310 at fulcrumpoint 2318 for opening and closing jaw members 2330 and 2340. Lever 2316allows a physician to generate additional force at fulcrum point 2318for opening jaw members 2330, 2340.

In addition jaw assembly 2300 may include a leaf spring 2370 (FIGS.20-21) attached to end 2319 of lever 2316 at its distal end and attachedto outer shaft 2320 at its proximal end. Leaf spring 2370 is used togenerate closing or clamping force for jaw members 2330, 2340 andincludes leaf spring members 2372 and 2374 which may be utilized similarto actuators 350 and 360 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Forexample, as a physician exerts or removes pressure on leaf springmembers 2372 and 2374, jaw members 2330 and 2340 are transitionedbetween the first, open and second, closed positions due to actuation ofend 2319 of lever 2316 by leaf spring 2370.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, a compression spring 2380 isdisposed around outer shaft 2320 and attached to ends 2319 of the one ormore levers 2316 to provide additional closing force to jaw members2330, 2340 through mechanical action at fulcrum point 2318.Electrosurgical pencil 100 may utilize one or more of these features atthe same time. For example, levers 2316 may be included in conjunctionwith either leaf spring 2370 or compression spring 2380. In additionelectrosurgical pencil 100 may include both leaf spring 2370 andcompression spring 2380 as desired.

During use, and as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the surgeon actuates end 2319of lever 2316 in a direction “Z” which applies force on inner shaft 2310at fulcrum point 2318 in a proximal direction “S”. This forces innershaft 2310 to translate proximally and thereby transition jaw members2330, 2340 from the second, closed position to the first, open position(e.g. spaced further apart). Once tissue is placed between jaw member2330 and 2340 the surgeon actuates end 2319 of level 2316 in a directionopposite to “Z” which applies force on inner shaft 2310 at fulcrum point2318 in a distal direction opposite to “S”. This forces inner shaft 2310to translate distally and thereby transition jaw members 2330, 2340 fromthe first, open position toward the second, closed position therebyclamping the tissue therebetween. Electrosurgical energy may then beapplied to the tissue as discussed below. The use of leaf spring 2370 orcoil spring 2380 provides a biasing force on lever 2316 and inner shaft2310 such that when the physician releases lever 2316 or removespressure from leaf spring members 2372 and 2374, inner shaft 2310automatically translates distally to transition jaw members 2330 and2340 toward the second, closed position for clamping tissuetherebetween. The leaf spring 2370 and/or the compression spring 2380are utilized to generate the appropriate closure pressure on the tissueto effect a tissue seal (e.g., about 3 kg/cm² to about 16 kg/cm²).

Referring now to FIGS. 23-24, another embodiment of a jaw assembly 3300is disclosed where only jaw member 3330 is actuatable while jaw member3340 is rigidly fixed in place. Moving inner shaft 3310 proximally anddistally only transitions jaw member 3330 between the first, open andsecond, closed positions while jaw member 3340 remains stationary. Inthis embodiment jaw member 3330 includes a pivot hole 3332 and a slot3334 as described in previous embodiments while jaw 3340 is rigidlyfixed to outer shaft 3320. Jaw member 3340 and outer shaft 3320 may bemonolithically formed. Jaw member 3330 is attached to outer shaft 3320by pin 3314 inserted through pivot hole 3332 and is attached to innershaft 3310 by pin 3324 inserted through slot 3334.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS.25-27, a rotating wheel 4250 is disposed at a distal end 4210 of housing4200 and actuatable to adjust the rotational angle of jaw members 4330,4340 to a desired alignment. As seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, jaw members4330 and 4340 are transitionable between at least a first configuration(FIG. 26) and a second configuration (FIG. 27) upon actuation ofrotating wheel 4250 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.Rotating wheel 4250 and thus jaw members 4330 and 4340 may be rotated afull 360° thereby allowing for a plurality of different configurationsin addition to the first and second configurations. During use, asurgeon utilizes surgical pencil 4100 as described above in previousembodiments and may additionally actuate rotating wheel 4250 in aclockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the desired configurationof jaw members 4330 and 4340 is achieved.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS.28-29, jaw assembly 5300 includes jaw members 5330, 5340 where jawmember 5330 defines a cavity or depression 5338 dimensioned for thereception of jaw member 5340 in a clam shell type configuration. Thisallows jaw member 5330 to be used in monopolar mode while keeping thejaw member 5340 isolated therefrom.

FIGS. 30-31 show jaw members 6330 and 6340 including an extendedelectrode tip 6339 for use during monopolar electrosurgery. Extendedelectrode tip 6339 allows a surgeon to apply monopolar energy to atarget site while keeping jaw members 6330 and 6340 from contacting thetissue. Electrode tip 6339 may be attached to jaw member 5330 or jawmember 5340 of the clam shell embodiment disclosed above, as seen inFIG. 31.

FIGS. 32-34 show a surgical pencil 7100 including a jaw assembly 7300having body portions 7310 and 7320 separate from jaw members 7330 and7340. Body portions 7310 and 7320 include actuators 7350 and 7360 andconnect to a wedge 7370 disposed between jaw members 7330 and 7340.Actuation of actuators 7350 and 7360 translates body portions 7310 and7320 relative to each other and thereby translates wedge 7370 proximallyor distally between jaw members 7330 and 7340. In this embodiment jawmembers 7330 and 7340 include sloped portions 7332, 7342 on which wedge7370 rests. When wedge 7370 is translated in the distal direction, wedge7370 slides along sloped portions 7332 and 7342 and forces jaw members7330 and 7340 apart. In this way wedge 7370 is able to transition jawmembers 7330 and 7340 between the first, open and second, closedpositions. Jaw members 7330 and 7340 are biased toward the second,closed position such that when the surgeon stops actuating actuators7350, 7360 jaw members 7330 and 7340 naturally force wedge 7370proximally along sloped portions 7332 and 7342 and return to the second,closed position.

In use, a surgeon applies pressure on actuators 7350 and 7360 to actuatewedge 7370 distally. As wedge 7370 translates distally it slides alongsloped portions 7332 and 7342 of jaw members 7330 and 7340 to transitionjaw members 7330 and 7340 from the second, closed position to the first,open position (e.g. spaced further apart). The surgeon then places thedesired tissue between jaw members 7330 and 7340 and releases thepressure on actuators 7350 and 7360. The biasing force of jaw members7330 and 7340 forces wedge 7370 proximally to transition jaw members7330 and 7340 from the first, open position back to the second, closedposition, thereby clamping onto the tissue therebetween. Electrosurgicalenergy may then be applied to the tissue.

For the purposes herein, the terms “switch” or “switches” includeselectrical actuators, mechanical actuators, electro-mechanical actuators(rotatable actuators, pivotable actuators, toggle-like actuators,buttons, etc.) or optical actuators.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 7-9 and 35-39 electrical assembly 400includes one or more activation switches 410, 420 and 430 that extendthrough an opening 260 of housing 200. Activation switches 410, 420 and430 are operatively supported on tactile elements 412, 422, 432 (shownas a snap-dome switch) provided on a switch plate 440 (See FIG. 39).Activation switches 410, 420 and 430 control the transmission of RFelectrical energy supplied from generator “G” to jaw members 330 and340. More particularly, switch plate 440 is positioned on top of avoltage divider network 450 (hereinafter “VDN 450”) such that tactileelements 412, 422, 432 are operatively associated therewith. VDN 450(e.g., here shown as a film-type potentiometer) forms a switch closure.For the purposes herein, the term “voltage divider network” relates toany known form of resistive, capacitive or inductive switch closure (orthe like) which determines the output voltage across a voltage source(e.g., one of two impedances) connected in series. A “voltage divider”as used herein relates to a number of resistors connected in serieswhich are provided with taps at certain points to make available a fixedor variable fraction of the applied voltage.

In use, depending on which activation switch 410, 420 or 430 isdepressed a respective tactile element 412, 422, 432 is pressed intocontact with VDN 450 and a characteristic signal is transmitted toelectrosurgical generator “G” via a cable 520 (FIGS. 1, 7, 35). Cable520 may include one or more control wires 522, 524, 526, and 528, andtwo RF lines 530 and 532 (FIG. 7). Control wires 522, 524, 526 and 528are preferably electrically connected to switches 410, 420 and 430 andintensity controller 700 via a controller terminal 460 (FIG. 7) which isoperatively connected to VDN 450. By way of example only,electrosurgical generator “G” may be used in conjunction with the devicewherein generator “G” includes a circuit for interpreting and respondingto the VDN settings. It is also contemplated that electrosurgical energymay be supplied by a battery.

Activation switches 410, 420 and 430 are configured and adapted tocontrol the mode and/or “waveform duty cycle” to achieve a desiredsurgical intent. For example, first activation switch 410 can be set todeliver a characteristic signal to electrosurgical generator “G” whichin turn transmits a duty cycle and/or waveform shape that produces acutting and/or dissecting effect/function. Meanwhile, second activationswitch 420 can be set to deliver a characteristic signal toelectrosurgical generator “G” which in turn transmits a duty cycleand/or waveform shape which produces a division or dividing withhemostatic effect/function. Finally, third activation switch 430 can beset to deliver a characteristic signal to electrosurgical generator “G”which in turn transmits a duty cycle and/or waveform shape whichproduces a hemostatic effect/function.

One of switches 410, 420 or 430 may be set to activate a monopolar modeand another of switches 410, 420 or 430 may be set to activate a bipolarmode or the same switch 410, 420 or 430 may be set to activate either amonopolar mode or a bipolar mode depending on which position jaw members330 and 340 are situated. Safety switches “S3” and “S3′” (FIG. 35) asdiscussed above may be included to prevent bipolar activation when jawmembers 330 and 340 are disposed in the second, closed position andmonopolar activation when jaw members 330 and 340 are disposed in thefirst, open position. Safety switches “S3” and “S3′” may alternativelybe a single switch where only one of bipolar and monopolar modes may beactive at a given time depending on the position of the jaws. One switch410, 420 or 430 may be depressed multiple times to cycle between amonopolar mode, a bipolar mode and a power “OFF” mode where no energy isprovided to jaw members 330 and 340.

As seen in FIG. 35, RF lines 530 and 532 for transmitting RF energy tojaw members 330, 340 are electrically connected to jaw members 330 and340 respectively. It is alternatively contemplated that RF lines 530 and532 may be connected to body portions 310 and 320 where body portions310 and 320 are in electrical communication with jaw member 330 and 340respectively. Body portions 310 and 320 may also be insulated from oneanother. Each of jaw members 330, 340 receives a separate electricalconnection from one of RF lines 530 and 532. It is also contemplatedthat both jaw members 330, 340 may receive an electrical connection fromthe same RF line 530, 532 during monopolar use. When RF lines 530 and532 are directly connected to jaw members 330 and 340, RF lines 530 and532 bypass VDN 450 and are isolated from VDN 450 and control wires 522,524, 526 and 528. By directly connecting RF lines 530 and 532 to jawmembers 330, 340 and isolating VDN 450 from the RF energy transmission,the electrosurgical current does not flow through VDN 450. This in turn,increases the longevity and life of VDN 450 and/or switches 410, 420 and430.

As such, a VDN 450 and/or switches 410, 420, 430 may be selected whichare less complex and/or which are relatively inexpensive since theswitches do not have to transmit current during activation. For example,if RF wires 530 and 532 are provided, switches 410, 420, 430 may beconstructed by printing conductive ink on a plastic film. On the otherhand, if RF wires 530 and 532 are not provided, switches 410, 420, 430may be of the type made of standard stamped metal which adds to theoverall complexity and cost of the instrument.

With reference to FIG. 35, VDN 450 includes a first transmission line452 to operate the various Modes of electrosurgical pencil 100; a secondtransmission line 454 to operate the various intensities ofelectrosurgical pencil 100; a third transmission line 456 to function asa ground for VDN 450; and a fourth transmission line 458 which maytransmit up to about +5 volts to VDN 450. Each of the first, second,third, and fourth transmission lines is electrically connected to one ofcontrol wires 522, 524, 526, and 528 via controller terminal 460 andthus is electrically connected to generator “G”.

VDN 450 includes a first variable resistor “R1” having a maximumresistance of 2000 ohms. First resistor “R1” is a variable resistorwhich is represented in FIG. 35 as six (6) individual resistors “R1 a-R1f” connected between third transmission line 456 and fourth transmissionline 458. Each resistor “R1 a-R1 f” of the first set of resistors has aresistance of 333 ohms. First resistor “R1” is selectively actuatable byintensity controller 700 at a plurality of locations along the lengththereof. The locations along the length of the first resistor “R1”correspond to the detents 290 formed along the inner upper surface ofside shell portions 230, 240. (see FIGS. 8 and 36) These locations alongthe length of resistor “R1” are represented as a first set of switches“S1 a-S1 e”. In operation, as intensity controller 700 is translatedalong first resistor “R1” the value of the resistance of first resistor“R1” is changed. The change of the resistance value of first resistor“R1” is represented in FIG. 35 as the closing of a switch “S1 a-S1 e”.The change in resistance of first resistor “R1” causes a change involtage along second transmission line 454 which is measured byelectrosurgical generator “G” which, in turn, transmits an RF energy ata unique intensity to electrosurgical pencil 100.

When intensity controller 700 is translated to a third, middle positionalong first resistor “R1”, corresponding to switch “S1 c”, a “parkposition” is established in which no resistance is present. Accordingly,electrosurgical generator “G” measures a maximum voltage value of zerovolts.

VDN 450 further includes a second variable resistor “R2” having amaximum resistance of 2000 ohms. Second resistor “R2” is represented inFIG. 35 as four (4) individual resistors “R2 a-R2 d” connected betweenthird transmission line 456, and fourth transmission line 458. Resistor“R2 a” has a resistance of 200 ohms, resistor “R2 b” has a resistance of550 ohms, resistor “R2 c” has a resistance of 550 ohms, and resistor “R2d” has a resistance of 700 ohms.

Second resistor “R2” is selectively actuatable by any one of activationswitches 410, 420 and 430. The location where second resistor “R2” isactuated by an activation switch 410, 420 or 430 is represented as asecond set of switches “S2 a-S2 c”. In operation, depending on whichswitch “S2 a-S2 c” of the second set of switches “S2” is closed, byactuation of a particular activation switch 410, 420 or 430, the valueof the resistance of second resistor “R2” is changed. The change of theresistance value of second resistor “R2” causes a change in voltagealong first transmission line 452 which is measured by electrosurgicalgenerator “G” which, in turn, activates and transmits a different modeof operation to electrosurgical pencil 100.

In operation, if more than one activation switch 410, 420 or 430 isactuated simultaneously (i.e., a “multi-key activation” scenario),electrosurgical generator “G” will measure a unique voltage which doesnot correspond to any preset known voltage stored therein and thus doesnot activate or transmit any mode of operation to electrosurgical pencil100.

One of switches “S2 a”-“S2 c” may correspond to thehemostatic/coagulation effect/function which can be defined as havingwaveforms with a duty cycle from about 1% to about 12%. Another ofswitches “S2 a”-“S2 c” may correspond to the cutting and/or dissectingeffect/function which can be defined as having waveforms with a dutycycle from about 75% to about 100%. The last of switches “S2 a”-“S2 c”may correspond to a bi-polar sealing function which may automaticallyperform a sealing function based on sensor feedback and generator “G”control. It is important to note that these percentages are approximatedand may be customized to deliver the desired surgical effect for varioustissue types and characteristics.

VDN 450 may further include safety switch “S3” and safety switch “S3′”for disabling bipolar or monopolar activation depending on the positionof jaw member 330 and 340. Safety switch “S3” is disposed in series withswitch “S2 c” and may be closed when jaw members 330 and 340 are in thefirst, open position and open when jaw members 330 and 340 are in thesecond, closed position. Safety switch “S3′” is disposed in series witheach of switches “S2 b” and “S2 a” and may be closed when jaw members330 and 340 are in the second, closed position but open when jaw members330 and 340 are in the first, open position. Safety switch “S3′” may bea single switch disposed in series with a parallel circuit of switches“S2 a” and “S2 b” or alternatively may be two separate switches “S3′”each disposed in series one of switches “S2 a” and “S2 b”. Safety switch“S3” may also only be closed when tissue is sensed between jaw members330 and 340 as described below.

Electrosurgical pencil 100 may further include a sensor (not shown)operably coupled to electrosurgical pencil 100 and configured to sensetissue disposed between jaw members 330 and 340. The sensor may providea signal to controller terminal 460 to disable monopolar activation iftissue is sensed between jaw members 330, 340 by opening safety switch“S3′′” or disable bipolar activation if no tissue is sensed between jawmembers 330, 340 by opening safety switch “S3”. The sensor may also beused to assist in determining the required intensity level andadjustments during bipolar use for sealing or coagulating operations.

As seen throughout FIGS. 1-2, 7 and 36-39, electrosurgical pencil 100further includes an intensity controller 700 slidingly supported on orin housing 200. Intensity controller 700 includes a pair of nubs 710,720 which are slidingly supported, one each, in respective guidechannels 270, 280, formed in each side shell portion 230, 240 of housing200, respectively. Guide channels 270, 280 may be formed on either sideof activations switches 410, 420, 430. By providing nubs 710, 720 oneither side of activation switches 410, 420, 430, intensity controller700 can be easily manipulated by either hand of the user or the sameelectrosurgical pencil can be operated by a right-handed or aleft-handed user.

As seen in FIGS. 1-2, 7-9 and 36-39, intensity controller 700 furtherincludes an element 730 extending from a bottom surface thereof whichcontacts and presses into or against VDN 450. In this manner, asintensity controller 700 is displaced in a distal or proximal directionrelative to housing 200, element 730 translates relative to VDN 450 tovary the intensity setting being transmitted to jaw members 330, 340, aswill be described in greater detail below.

Intensity controller 700 may be configured to function as a slidepotentiometer, sliding over and along VDN 450. Intensity controller 700has a first position wherein nubs 710, 720 are at a proximal-mostposition (e.g., closest to plug 500 and element 730 being located at aproximal-most position) corresponding to a relative low intensitysetting, a second position wherein nubs 710, 720 are at a distal-mostposition (e.g., closest to jaw members 330, 340 and element 730 beinglocated at a distal-most position) corresponding to a relative highintensity setting, and a plurality of intermediate positions whereinnubs 710, 720 are at positions between the distal-most position and theproximal-most position corresponding to various intermediate intensitysettings. As can be appreciated, the intensity settings from theproximal end to the distal end may be reversed, e.g., high to low.

Nubs 710, 720 of intensity controller 700 and corresponding guidechannels 270, 280 may be provided with a series of cooperating discreetor detented positions defining a series of positions, e.g., five, toallow easy selection of the output intensity from the low intensitysetting to the high intensity setting. The series of cooperatingdiscreet or detented positions also provide the surgeon with a degree oftactile feedback. A plurality of discreet detents 290 may be defined inan inner upper surface of side shell portions 230, 240 for cooperatingwith and selectively engaging a resilient finger 740 extending upwardlyfrom intensity controller 700. Accordingly, in use, as intensitycontroller 700 slides distally and proximally, resilient finger 740selectively engages detents 290 to set the intensity level as well as toprovide the user with tactile feedback as to when the intensitycontroller has been set to the desired intensity setting.

Intensity controller 700 is configured and adapted to adjust the powerparameters (e.g., voltage, power and/or current intensity) and/or thepower verses impedance curve shape to affect the perceived outputintensity during monopolar activation. For example, the greaterintensity controller 700 is displaced in a distal direction the greaterthe level of the power parameters transmitted to jaw members 330, 340.Conceivably, current intensities can range from about 60 mA to about 240mA when using an electrosurgical blade and having a typical tissueimpedance of about 2K ohms. An intensity level of 60 mA provides verylight and/or minimal cutting/dissecting/hemostatic effects. An intensitylevel of 240 mA provides very aggressive cutting/dissecting/hemostaticeffects. Accordingly, the preferred range of current intensity is fromabout 100 mA to about 200 mA at 2K ohms. During bipolar operation, theintensity controller 700 is inoperable.

The intensity settings may be preset and selected from a look-up tablebased on a choice of electrosurgical instruments/attachments, desiredsurgical effect, surgical specialty and/or surgeon preference. Theselection may be made automatically or selected manually by the user.The intensity values may be predetermined or adjusted by the user.

When monopolar use is selected, and depending on the particularelectrosurgical function desired, the surgeon depresses one ofactivation switches 410, 420, 430, in the direction indicated by arrow“Y” (see FIGS. 1-2 and 36-37) thereby urging a corresponding tactileelement 412, 422, 432 against VDN 450 and thereby transmitting arespective characteristic signal to electrosurgical generator “G”. Forexample, the surgeon can depress activation switch 410 to perform acutting and/or dissecting function, activation switch 420 to perform ablending function, or activation switch 430 to perform a hemostaticfunction. In turn, generator “G” transmits an appropriate waveformoutput to jaw members 330 and or 340 via RF lines 530 and 532. Inmonopolar mode, intensity controller 700 is activated to allow thesurgeon to make intensity adjustments. As the surgeon manipulatesintensity controller 700, electrosurgical energy is provided to one orboth jaw members 330, 340 at a single potential. A return pad is appliedto the patient for receiving the electrosurgical energy. The surgeonmanipulates intensity controller 700 until the desired intensity levelis achieved and then applies jaw member 330 and or 340 to tissue toperform the surgical procedure.

When bipolar use is selected, each jaw member 330, 340 is set to adifferent potential and electrosurgical energy is transmitted throughtissue disposed therebetween. Intensity controller 700 is deactivated.The surgeon manipulates actuators 350 and 360 to transition jaw members330, 340 from the second position to the first position, therebyproviding a space for receiving tissue. Once the surgeon places jawmembers 330, 340 in the desired position, with tissue between jawmembers 330, 340, the surgeon releases actuators 350 and 360, allowingjaw members 330, 340 to transition toward the second position andthereby clamp or compress the tissue under a spring bias andproportionally create an appropriate pressure between jaw members 330and 340. Jaw members 330, 340 may be configured to compress tissuetherebetween under working pressure to coagulate tissue or form a tissueseal (e.g., about 3 kg/cm² to about 16 kg/cm²). To form a seal, jawmembers 330, 340 cooperate to compress tissue within the workingpressure range while maintaining a gap between jaw members 106 a, 106 bto within the range of 0.001 inches to 0.006 inches. A variety of stopmembers or stop member arrangements may be utilized to provide theappropriate gap distance between jaw members 330 and 340, e.g., as inU.S. Pat. No. 7,473,253. After the tissue is clamped at the appropriateworking pressure and the sensor determines that there is tissue betweenjaw members 330 and 340, electrosurgical energy is activated eitherautomatically or through manipulation of one of activation switches 410,420 or 430 by the surgeon to coagulate or seal the tissue. The surgeonthen manipulates actuators 350, 360 once more to release the tissue.

It is contemplated that the features found in the above embodiments maybe combined with any other embodiment and are not limited to theirparticular embodiment.

Although the subject apparatus has been described with respect toparticular embodiments, it will be readily apparent, to those havingordinary skill in the art to which it appertains, that changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit orscope of the subject apparatus.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: firstand second jaw members transitionable between a closed position and anopen position, the first and second jaw members adapted to connect to asource of energy and configured to treat tissue in both a first mode,wherein the first and second jaw members are energized to the samepotential to treat tissue with monopolar energy, and a second mode,wherein the first and second jaw members are energized to differentpotentials to treat tissue with bipolar energy; a sensor disposed on atleast one of the first or second jaw members, the sensor configured tosense whether tissue is disposed between the first and second jawmembers, the presence of tissue disposed between the first and secondjaw members corresponding to the second mode and sense of tissuedisposed between the first and second jaw members corresponding to thefirst mode; and a controller in communication with the sensor, thecontroller configured to disable monopolar activation of the first andsecond jaw members when the sensor indicates that the first and secondjaw members are in the second mode and to disable bipolar activation ofthe first and second jaw members when the sensor indicates that thefirst and second jaw members are in the first mode.
 2. The surgicalinstrument according to claim 1, further including a jaw member actuatoroperably coupled to the first and second jaw members, the jaw memberactuator selectively manipulatable for transitioning the first andsecond jaw members between the closed and open positions.
 3. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the jaw memberactuator is pressure sensitive and adjusts the position of the first andsecond jaw members relative to one another based on the amount ofpressure applied to the jaw member actuator.
 4. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second jaw members arebiased in the closed position.
 5. The surgical instrument according toclaim 3, wherein the jaw member actuator includes a flexible portion. 6.The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further including at leastone switch operably coupled to the controller, the at least one switchconfigured, in the first mode, to activate the first and second jawmembers with monopolar energy, and, in the second mode, to activate thefirst and second jaw members with bipolar energy.